American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

What factor does NOT influence how long a pneumatic tourniquet can be safely inflated?

1. Patients age and BP

2. Size of extremity

3. Vascular supply to extremity

4. Body temperature

The correct answer is: Body temperature

The duration a pneumatic tourniquet can be safely inflated is primarily influenced by the physiological and anatomical characteristics of the patient and the specific limb being treated. The age and blood pressure of the patient are critical factors because younger individuals may have more resilient vascular systems, while elevated blood pressure can increase the risk of tissue ischemia. The size of the extremity also plays a significant role; for example, a larger limb requires different pressure settings, which can affect how long the tourniquet can be left on without causing harm. Similarly, the vascular supply to the extremity is crucial because compromised blood flow can lead to more rapid tissue damage and necessitate shorter inflation times. On the other hand, body temperature does not significantly alter the safety duration of pneumatic tourniquet inflation. While extreme temperatures can have effects on tissue metabolism and overall health, they do not directly determine how long a tourniquet can remain inflated without risking complications like nerve or muscle injury. Thus, body temperature is not a primary factor in assessing the safety of tourniquet use.